Job description
The primary role of a Trainee Trading Standards Officer is to complete the Chartered Trading Standards Institute’s Trading Standards Practitioner Diploma (TSPD). This Level 5 qualification is achieved through a combination of academic study and examinations, and the completion of work based portfolios demonstrating practical skills and knowledge. The route to qualification consists of two stages, and successful completion is usually attained within 2-3 years.
Responsibilities
* Trainee Trading Standards Officers will assist and support the Trading Standards Service’s staff in the various areas of work including inspections, complaints, service requests and investigations whilst undertaking their training.
* Therefore Trainees’ responsibilities will include: Working in a regulatory environment; Checking that goods/services comply with legislation.
* Visiting businesses to check legal compliance or to investigate complaints and initiating appropriate enforcement action where this is considered necessary.
* Investigating complaints and obtaining evidence to support the most appropriate enforcement outcome.
* Undertaking pro-active enforcement exercises to deal with targeted trade sectors and rogue traders.
* Interviewing businesses under caution.
* Preparing case files and producing investigation and prosecution reports for senior management and the Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland.
* This list is not exhaustive for full range of responsibilities please see pages 8 & 9 of the candidate information booklet.
Skills and Qualifications
Essential Skills
* Applicants must, by the closing date for applications have:
* A Diploma in Consumer Affairs Part 1; or A Trading Standards Practitioner Certificate; or A Law Society recognised law degree; or An Honours Degree in an engineering (BEng) or equivalent.
* OR Have 2 years’ practical experience working in a trading standards service.
* AND Have access to a form of transport, which will enable them to carry out the full range of duties of the post.
Desirable Skills
* Applicants should be aware that after an eligibility sift, should shortlisting be required the following criteria may be used to determine those applicants to be invited to interview.
* You should ensure that you provide evidence of this in your application form.
* At least 1 years’ relevant practical experience of: 1. Working in a legal, regulatory, inspection, audit or compliance environment providing advice to businesses or consumers, collecting evidence, or interviewing members of the public.
Further Information
NICS Application form only, Vacancy closing date Friday 12th September 2025 at 12 noon. Applications from young people (people under the age of 35), people with a disability and people from minority ethnic communities are particularly welcomed for this post.
Application Information
Visit the recruitment service website (Please quote reference number: IRC317835)